Ethical Treatment of Websites

Fri, Mar. 14 2008

I answer the phone.
The voice on the other end says "I need a website but I'm not sure who I'm going to offend..."
"Try me," I say.
"It's porn" he says, then quickly laughs "No, I'm just kidding...I'm a hunter."
And there it is - in over six years as Artgig Studio, it's the first website I have to turn down because someone has finally crossed our moral/ethical line.
I imagine what pictures he'll want to showcase in the design...
Simply cannot do it.
I'm off-balance but he gives me an easy out.
"I need something quick."
I explain that we're a custom interactive shop & we're booked solid for the next four to six weeks - this is entirely true.
He tells me we were recommended and goes on to say he's been looking around and he really likes our stuff.
He sounds disappointed when I don't budge.
We end the call with him looking for a short-term quick fix in the hopes that our schedule might open up down the road.
I hang-up the phone.
I call him back.
"Look, I don't think we can do this job for you" I say, "and I just want to be clear why..."
He says he appreciates my honesty.
So, if you're a hunter, sorry, out-of-luck.
Porn is another story...